The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to address longstanding water security issues faced by the remote Aboriginal community of Scotdesco, in South Australia.
Due to its remote location on the Great Australian Bight, Scotdesco is not connected to any main water network and residents rely on rainwater collected in the town’s catchment dam for drinking water.
This week saw the community handover of Phase One of the Scotdesco Water Security Project to provide safe and reliable drinking water.
New household rainwater tanks and guttering have been installed, and existing pipes and connections replaced, to maximise and improve rainwater collection.
The current water pumping system has also been upgraded with a new generator, rain gauge and chlorine dosing pump.
The Scotdesco Water Security Project will receive $650,000 from the Commonwealth’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) for the provision of additional water security measures, including four large water storage tanks and other infrastructure.
These measures, developed in consultation with the Scotdesco community, will ensure a lasting solution to water reserves running dry and unreliable access to water supply.
The Scotdesco Water Security Project is part of the Albanese Government's strategy to invest in essential services and infrastructure for Aboriginal communities and contribute to Closing the Gap in life outcomes for First Nations people.
The Albanese Government remains committed to ensuring that remote communities like Scotdesco receive the resources they need to thrive.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy:
"Every Australian deserves the certainty of continual access to clean and safe water, yet for some remote communities this basic life essential is out of reach.
“These new measures for Scotdesco will improve access, providing a solid foundation for enhancing the quality of life and health outcomes for residents.
"Thanks to the installation of new water infrastructure, the Scotdesco community can look forward to a future where access to clean water is not a luxury but an everyday reality.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia, Senator Marielle Smith:
“After years of advocacy on behalf of the community of Scotdesco for a sustainable, long-term water infrastructure solution, I am deeply proud that our government is delivering this project.
“The new infrastructure will provide a clean and reliable water supply to this community, who have been calling for a solution for many years.
“We have listened, and I am proud to have fought alongside the Scotdesco community to deliver this commitment.”